Genesis 8, 3 John

Wednesday, Dec 5, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 8, 3 John)


(Genesis 8)

In verse 15, God told Noah to let out every animal and have all of his family exit the ark. At that point, he gave them a divine task. “…multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it.”

Not only are we to multiply, but also be fruitful. Of all the things God wanted them to do, these were the first two things he said to them. It’s such a simple thought, but important. So many times we seem to just exist. When we do, the impact of our lives is minimal and most certainly not intentional. I think it’s interesting that it is more of our nature to “multiply”, but more of God’s leading that makes us fruitful. While I don’t know if that is an intentional connection to a relationship or not, it seems that in order to do both well, we would need God’s hand.

I think that is a great list of two things for the church. Honestly, that’s the first thing I thought of when I read the chapter today. I’ve always believed a healthy church is a growing (multiplying) church. If it’s not, something is off. It doesn’t mean they are bad, just that something is off a bit (or a lot). Maybe it wouldn’t be growing in ways we can see or in ways we would typically measure it, but when God is honored, he will draw people to him. But the fruit, the fruit should be obvious. I’m not talking about fruit that we benefit from only, I’m talking about fruit for others, efforts for others, impact for others.

God, help us today to see the areas in our lives that we are not looking outward. Help us to have a heart and mind for multiplying ministry and sharing the Good News to those around us. Help us dear God to pursue the things in our lives that will produce a fruit that is from you and your Word in our lives. Help us to remain in you, attached to the vine.

(3 John)

While 1 John was written to all believers, 2 John a specific church, 3 John was to a specific leader in the church, Gaius. I’ve always thought 3 John presents a great list of questions we can ask ourselves as a measuring stick of our walk as leaders in the church. Each question comes from something John commended Gaius for.

1. Is your SOUL getting along well? (vs.2)
2. What do others REPORT about you? (vs.3-4)
3. Who are you SERVING? (vs.5)
4. Are you on a TEAM? (vs.7-8)
5. Is your PRIDE in check? (vs.9-10)
6. Do you IMITATE what is good? (vs.11)
7. Do you make effort to KNOW others? (vs.13-14)